City of Side: Sightseeing Cruise w/ Swim Stops & Foam Party

A day on the water beats another hour in the sun. This Side cruise rolls you from hotel pickup to the Manavgat River and out where it meets the Mediterranean, with big swim breaks and a silly foam party thrown in during the ride. I like how the boat is set up for real lounging too, not just standing in a line.

Two things I especially like: you get a generous day format with multiple water chances (including a stop called Cennet Play), and you’re fed on board with grilled chicken and a buffet-style lunch. One consideration: drinks are extra, and the on-boat photo sales can add up fast if you’re the type who wants every shot.

Key points at a glance

• Three-floor boat layout with bars on two levels and a sun terrace upstairs
• Two main swimming breaks plus a short third stop near the river mouth
• Cennet Play is the first swim stop, with about an hour in the water
• Second swim break near Side’s ancient temples gives views and time to jump or swim
• Foam party on the second floor during the return, with dance and animations
• Lunch onboard is included, but drinks like beer and soda are not

Getting on the water: Side pickup, pier, and the 3-floor boat

Your day starts with hotel pickup from the Side area, typically between 08:30 and 09:30 (the activity info notes pickup between 08:30 and 09:00). You’ll ride in a comfortable bus to the pier by the Manavgat River. From reviews, the transfers feel organized and on-time, and you should plan to be ready a few minutes early.

The boat is a big, three-level set up, and it matters because it prevents the usual “everyone piles into the same spot” problem. On the first floor, you’ll find a bar, comfortable seating groups, and 10 showers at the back, which is handy after you swim. The second floor has another bar and a dance floor that’s where the foam party energy lives. The third floor is the sun terrace for tanning and watching the river and sea.

Once you board, you don’t have to wait long. Guests are said to be on the boat within about 20 minutes, and the tour begins soon after.

Cruise route: river to sea, then toward the Side peninsula

After leaving the pier, the boat heads to where the river meets the sea at the Manavgat strait. That transition is part of the appeal: you get river vibes first, then the open-water feeling as you move into the Mediterranean. If you’re the type who likes photos, this is where the sky and water start looking more “vacation” than “local river.”

On the way, you may spot dolphins and even caretta caretta sea turtles. The tour wording says you’ll have the chance to see them en route, and that’s one of the moments people remember most. Even if you don’t get a dolphin sighting, the water and coastline views keep the ride from feeling like dead time.

Swim stop 1: Cennet Play for a full hour in crystal-clear water

Your first real break is at Cennet Play, after the boat passes into the strait and moors back near the pier area. This stop gives you about one hour to swim, sunbathe, or relax on the beach. The timing is great because you can go in early while the day is still fresh and before the boat’s energy builds.

If you want to do more than just wade, this is also the moment when optional fun appears. Reviews mention jetskis, and the activity info confirms jetski is extra. If that’s on your wish list, set aside money before you forget.

What I think makes this stop work for most people is choice. You can jump from the boat, spend time in the water, or take a slower approach and just enjoy the breeze and sun.

Lunch onboard: grilled chicken and buffet, timed for convenience

While you’re swimming, the team is working. The kitchen grills chicken for lunch and prepares a buffet. When you return to the boat, lunch is served from the buffet, and people generally describe it as good for a day trip that includes drinks on board and lots of swimming.

Two small planning notes from how the day is structured:

• Lunch is during your swim break rhythm, so if you eat late, you might find less left. One review specifically noted that food gets taken away after serving, which suggests lunch timing is real.
• The buffet isn’t a giant menu. Reviews mention two options, chicken or fish, so don’t expect a full range of choices.

The upside is you don’t lose your whole day to a restaurant schedule. You get fed, you keep moving, and you’re back outside fast.

Swim stop 2: Side’s ancient temple views from the water

After the first break, the boat continues for about 45 minutes toward the historical Side peninsula. This stretch is where the “cruise” part feels like more than transport. You’re cruising with sea views, and the tour route may offer another shot at wildlife.

Then comes the second swim break, right in front of the temples of Apollo and Athena. This stop lasts about 45 minutes, which is long enough to do the classic cruise routine: quick dip, bigger swim, then a slower sit with a view.

You have multiple ways to get in:

• Jump from the boat into the sea
• Swim using ladders behind the boat (the boat has 10 swimming ladders)
• Or simply watch the ancient scenery from the waterline

This is also the moment for people who want something more than a beach day. You’re swimming with an ancient-city backdrop, so the photos feel like a “real sight” day, not just sun and sea.

The foam party and dance floor: where the energy peaks

On the return journey, the vibe turns playful. The info says there will be dance and foam party on the second floor during the return, and it’s designed for a wide age range, from about 7 to 70.

From reviews, the foam party is one of the most praised parts of the whole day. The choreography appears to be guided, and one reviewer specifically called out a crew member named Cem (spelled like that in the review) who led the action and kept things fun.

This is the kind of activity that works best if you’re willing to go along. If you want quiet, you can still find it on the sun terrace or lower deck, but the central vibe is definitely party-ready.

What to do with time on board: sun terrace strategy and room to spread out

This cruise is popular, but one theme in reviews is that the boat doesn’t feel overpacked. There’s space to spread out, with seating options on every floor and shaded spots downstairs.

If you want prime sun time, plan your timing. One review noted that if you want to tan, the top floor mats and seats fill quickly. My practical advice: don’t assume you’ll get the best spots later. If sunbathing is your goal, claim your place early after you board.

Also, take advantage of the showers on the first floor after you swim. It makes a difference between feeling fresh for lunch and feeling sticky for the rest of the day.

Drinks, photos, and the “extras” that can change your final cost

The tour includes a lot, but it is not a drinks-all-day kind of ticket. The info lists local drinks as not included, including beer, wine, cola, fanta, sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee.

That said, reviews describe drinks as reasonable. So the cost bump is usually manageable if you set limits.

More importantly, there are onboard photo opportunities. Multiple reviews mention a photographer and a parrot on board, plus printed photos that cost extra (one review states €5 per picture). The parrot and photos can be a fun add-on, but if you’re trying to keep costs down, treat it like a menu item. Pick a few you really want, skip the rest.

Jetski is another optional extra. The activity info confirms jetski is not included, and reviews say it’s cheaper than some beach rentals near the hotels.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want a lazy day with real water time. The cruise gives you structured breaks and enough time to actually swim, not just splash for five minutes. It’s also well suited to mixed groups, because the foam party and swimming cater to different comfort levels.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to hygiene issues, since one review flagged toilet hygiene as something that could improve.
• You want a long, quiet, sightseeing-focused day. This tour is more about the water and onboard fun than museum-style details.

Value check: is $16 a smart deal?

At about $16 per person for an 8-hour day with hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour, boat time, lunch, and foam party, the value is strong. You’re paying for access to transport, a multi-stop experience, and food, not just a ticket to sit on a boat.

Where value can shift is in add-ons:

• Drinks cost extra
• Jetski costs extra
• Photo packages can add up if you buy many prints

Still, even with a couple of extras, it usually lands far below what a private boat or beach day can cost in the area. The best part is that you don’t have to plan anything complicated. The day runs on rails, then you get to choose how much you swim and how much you lounge.

Should you book the Side foam party cruise?

If you want a straightforward day that mixes swimming, good views near Side’s temples, included lunch, and real onboard fun, I’d book it. The boat setup with showers, multiple decks, and swim ladders is practical, and the itinerary gives you more than one chance to enjoy the sea.

But if you’re picky about bathrooms, or you hate paying extra for drinks and photos, you might prefer a quieter cruise with fewer “upsells.” For everyone else, this is one of those rare deals where the ticket actually covers the experience you came for.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Side?

The tour runs for about 8 hours, with hotel pickup in the morning and return drop-off typically between 17:00 and 17:30.

What time does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup from the Side area is typically between 08:30 and 09:30. The activity details also say pickup between 08:30 and 09:00 from the main gate of the hotel.

Where do we board the boat?

You’ll be taken by bus to the pier by the Manavgat River, where you board the boat.

How many swim stops are there?

There are three swimming breaks. The first is at Cennet Play for about one hour, the second is near the historical Side peninsula for 45 minutes, and the third is about 20 minutes near the river mouth.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is prepared on board, including grilled chicken, with a buffet served while you return from the first swim stop.

Is the foam party included?

Yes. Foam and dance activities happen onboard, especially during the return, on the second floor.

Are drinks included with the ticket?

No. Local drinks like beer, wine, soda, and water are listed as not included, even though bars are on board.

Is jetski included?

No. Jetski is not included, but you can purchase it as an extra.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. The activity info says you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.